sonder | saltburn¹

3.

A/N: Thank you all so much for 200 reads in just a few days, the support for this book so far has really got me fired up to write wayyy more this year! x

All hail Felix Catton, no graves were harmed in the making of this book. 💞

☆☆☆

THE KING'S ARMS was filled with chatter, students overwhelmed the space like a pack of sardines.

Oliver nursed his drink, having been subjected to animated gossiping from Farleigh for the evening after Felix had ditched them to wander off with Cyn the minute she'd joined them.

Sitting at a table in the corner of the dim room, Felix and Cyn could be seen engaging in conversation over a pint.

She could feel the many eyes on her, hear the whispers of other students who noticed she had returned to Oxford.

Among the many curious onlookers was Oliver, Felix had his attention - correction: Felix and Cyn.

He longed to be able to hold his undivided attention too, for Felix to look at him as jf the entire galaxy and Heaven itself lied behind his very own blue eyes.

It didn't bother her all that much, Cyn would just let them talk as she knew the reason behind what her parents had coined 'a much needed sabbatical'.

"Christ, do people really have nothing better to do than be up in everybody else's shit nowadays?"

Felix muttered, swirling the remainder of Scotch settled at the bottom of his glass.

She merely shrugged, bringing the bottle's tip to her lips that curled into an amused smile after.

"Oh, please spare me. You know you love the drama just as much.

Won't someone please think of the poor privileged white males?"

Cyn replied, sarcasm laced within her biting words. He couldn't help but laugh at how she managed to be witty and brutally honest without sounding too bitter.

"Wow, well aren't you just a ball of sunshine?" Felix grinned, downing the last of his liquor.

"Hm, this place blows. I'm hungry,"

Standing up from her seat, she gave him an expectant look.

"Oh, you mean you want to head all the way back there just so you can stuff your face?"

He asked, lazily slinging an arm around her shoulder as they left The King's Arms in search of more excitement (and food) for the rest of their Friday night.

***

It was nearing 11 PM when he pulled up the driveway, Felix went around to open the passenger door of his matte black LeBlanc Mirabeau.

Cyn quietly thanked him before they started up the stone pathway that led to the intimidating front door of Saltburn.

"You need me to take your jacket?"

Felix offered, having already hung his own on the coat rack, she shook her head and resumed her examining of the grand home.

"This place is....gorgeous."

Cyn mused, taking in the gold trimming of expensive artwork that plastered the walls as he guided her to the huge Kitchen.

"The fridge is full, pantry is packed - pick your poison.

Keep your bony fingers off of the China plates in the top cabinet or else my Mum will kill me.

Don't think you can get away with not making enough for the both of us 'cause you won't. Knock yourself out."

Felix pointed a finger at the cabinet in question. "Bony? What? My hands are not bony!" She shot back.

"Whatever you say, Royce."

He smirked, watching Cyn open the fridge to take out some ham, mayo and lettuce before sliding around to the pantry.

Taking out a bag of white bread and picking out a few ripe tomatoes from the small basket, his eyes trained on her every move.

Following along with the knife she held to cut the red slices with precision, being careful to not put too much mayo.

Felix took notice of the attention to detail Cyn put towards the final presentation of the sandwich that awaited him on a small plate.

It was almost like she wanted to impress Felix.

"There we are, how is it?"

She asked, watching him taste her food. He hummed in response, taking a giant bite out of the stacked sandwich.

Some of the mayo had gotten on his chin, Cyn couldn't help but think he looked adorable when he wasn't all put together.

".....'S nice, Royce."